Health-care professionals, researchers to attend Sixth World Conference on Breast Cancer

Today launches the sixth World Conference on Breast Cancer in Hamilton, Canada. The Conference is the only one of its kind to bring together breast cancer survivors, advocates, health-care professionals and researchers from developing and developed countries. The common goal is to improve breast cancer awareness, prevention and treatment worldwide through knowledge exchange and global networking.

Approximately 500 delegates will attend the Conference, representing more than 30 countries. The five-day Conference includes opening ceremonies, three days of education sessions and concludes with a Youth Day focused on building breast cancer awareness and knowledge among youth aged 15 years and older.

The speakers include internationally renowned breast cancer experts such as Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade, Professor of Medicine and Human Genetics and Director of the Cancer Risk Clinic at The University of Chicago who was recently appointed to the U.S. Cancer Advisory Board by President Barack Obama.

Another major focus of the Conference is the International Support Link project. This project provides non-financial assistance to organizations to help raise breast cancer awareness and provide education, advocacy, global action and emotional support. These needs have been identified as priorities by participating partners. At the conference, the project will help delegates gain the skills and knowledge necessary to fulfill their priority needs when they return to their home country.

Scotiabank is returning for the sixth time as the Premier Sponsor of the Conference.

"The World Conference on Breast Cancer embraces the very spirit of our global philanthropic program, Scotiabank Bright Future, by bringing together delegates from around the world to share experience and knowledge and build a better understanding of breast cancer," said Sylvia Chrominska, Group Head, Global Human Resources and Communications, Scotiabank. "As Canada's most international Bank we understand the value of bringing together diverse perspectives and we are extremely proud to be back as the presenting sponsor of this important Conference."

"My first World Conference on Breast Cancer was in 2001 - two years after my breast cancer diagnosis. I haven't missed a conference since," said Leila Springer, breast cancer survivor and President, World Conference on Breast Cancer. "The event brings together hundreds of women from different parts of the world, cultures, religions and socio-economic backgrounds with the shared experience of breast cancer. The Conference has been integral in facilitating connections between women and the breast cancer care, knowledge and support they need."

Source: WORLD CONFERENCE ON BREAST CANCER FOUNDATION